The southeast was declared a drought area yesterday.Source:The Courier-Mail

The drought-declared area now extends from Mt Isa in the northwest to Coolangatta in the southeast and covers 75.5 per cent of the state.

“Unfortunately, the dry winter and heavy frosts from the cold nights have hit pastures in the southeast,” Mr McVeigh said.

“The drought now has a vast geographical spread across our state.

“In response, the Queensland Government has so far allocated $62 million towards assisting those farmers doing it tough.’’

The declaration would have no effect on southeast domestic water supplies, he said.

“The 12 dams in southeast Queensland that contribute to the water supply system are currently at an average of 86 per cent capacity,’’ he said.

Weather Bureau forecaster Michelle Berry said Darling Downs grain-growing regions were likely to get 25mm to 50mm while the southeast should get up to 75mm.

“I expect the Sunshine and Gold coasts will probably do a bit better,’’ Ms Berry said. “We might see 100mm-plus in isolated falls. It’s disappointing for the far west but a lot of places haven’t had rain for a long time, like Capricornia and they’ll hopefully get good, soaking rain.’’

Widespread showers are falling in the Warrego and Maranoa, with Mitchell recording 20mm by 9am yesterday and nearby Mungallala 22mm.